How Do You Grow Blue Jade Corn?
Updated on
November 22, 2023
Growing Blue Jade Corn
A great space saver with good produce and a touch of color - that’s the Blue Jade corn trademark. A true jade in any home garden - this variety of corn is not only amazing because of its color, but it is also the one sweet corn varieties that can be successfully in containers! The Blue Jade Corn (Zea may ‘Blue Jade’) belongs to the grass family but grows only 3 feet tall!
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Cheatsheet:
Planting Tips
🌱 Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost date.
💦 Plant in well-draining soil with full sun exposure.
🌡️ Soil Temperature: 60-95°F (15-35°C)
🌽 Plant seeds 2-3 inches deep, 10-12 inches apart.
Growth & Maintenance
⏳ Germination: 7-14 days
🌧️ Weekly water: 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm)
🌬️ Wind tolerance: Moderate to high
🌿 Fertilize every 3-4 weeks with nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
Harvesting & Consumption
🎬 Days to maturity: 75-90 days
🌽 Harvest when kernels are juicy and brightly colored.
🌽 Enjoy fresh or cook by boiling, grilling, or roasting.
🥗 Nutritional: Rich in antioxidants and fiber.
Grow Blue Jade Corn In Your Garden For Unusual Color And Flavorful Harvests
Blue Jade corn is an heirloom, blue-colored hybrid corn that produces a unique flavored ear that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. This type of corn can be planted in the spring and has become a popular choice for backyard gardeners looking to taste something special in their home-grown harvest. Here are quick tips on how to grow blue jade corn in your own garden.
Choose The Right Location
To ensure a successful crop, find a sunny spot in your garden with good drainage and fertile soils. The area should get full sun for at least 8 hours a day and have soil that is free of rocks and weeds. Blue Jade corn is heat-loving and prefers temperatures of 70 to 80°F. Once you’ve selected the location, go ahead and break up the soil with a hoe or similar garden tool to make it easier for the seed to germinate.
Planting The Seed
You’ll want to plant the Blue Jade corn seeds a few inches apart, spaced out in rows 2-3 feet apart. To speed up the germination process, soak the seeds in warm water overnight, and then plant them into the prepared soil at a depth of about 1-2 inches. Water them in and make sure the soil is well-drained and fertilized, so that the seed gets off to a good start.
New Growers' Advice
If this is your first time growing corn, keep in mind that it is a heavy feeder. It requires a lot of nitrogen-rich fertilizer to maintain healthy soil and healthy plants. Keep weeds down, and if there’s a chance of heavy rainfall, you may wish to mulch your crop in order to help protect the soil and avoid erosion.
Harvest Time
When the corn plants reach a height of 6 feet tall and are at least 8 weeks old, you’ll start to see ears of corn developing at the top. To check if they’re ripe, peel back the husk and see if the kernels are a deep, blue hue. The kernels will be full and plump when they’re ready for picking. Corn is best eaten the same day it’s picked, so if you don’t plan on eating immediately, make sure to freeze or can what you harvest.
With a bit of attention and care, you will be able to harvest big, sweet ears of blue jade corn in no time! Now’s the perfect time to get started so you can enjoy your own unusual and flavorful crop this summer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How long does it take for Blue Jade Corn to grow?
Blue Jade Corn typically takes 60-75 days to reach maturity from the time of planting.
2. What are the ideal growing conditions for Blue Jade Corn?
Blue Jade Corn thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and a temperature range of 70-85°F.
3. How do I prepare the soil for Growing Blue Jade Corn?
Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter and well-drained. Loosen it and remove any weeds before planting.
4. How often should I water Blue Jade Corn?
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall.
5. How do I plant Blue Jade Corn seeds?
Sow seeds in rows, 12-18 inches apart, and 1-2 inches deep. Space the rows 24-30 inches apart for sufficient air circulation.
6. Do I need to fertilize Blue Jade Corn?
Yes, fertilize the plants with a balanced organic fertilizer at the time of planting and again when they reach 12 inches tall.
7. How can I protect Blue Jade Corn from pests?
Use organic pest control methods such as companion planting, physical barriers, and regularly inspecting for signs of pests.
8. When is the right time to harvest Blue Jade Corn?
Harvest Blue Jade Corn when the silks are brown and the kernels are plump and milky when pierced with a fingernail.
9. How do I store Blue Jade Corn?
After harvesting, remove the husks and store the corn in the refrigerator for up to a week.
10. Can I save seeds from Blue Jade Corn for future planting?
Absolutely! To save seeds, allow the cobs to fully dry on the plant, then remove the kernels for storage.
Overall, growing blue jade corn is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Not only does it add a unique appeal and sophistication to any garden, but the corn itself is a delightful snack or ingredient. With some patience and effort and some soil-specific modifications, successfully growing blue jade corn is an achievable goal for any home gardener.
